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VYPE 2022 Baseball Preview: No.2 Tompkins Falcons
With a loaded lineup that is now senior-heavy, this may be the year for Tompkins, after reaching the Regional Semis before falling to Strake Jesuit, to take that next step – State.
The Falcons are loaded. Jace LaViolette is a 6-foot-5 outfielder/pitcher, who can crush the ball. The all-state star has signed to Texas A&M and has some serious talent.
Jack Little (Wichita State) is an all-state, corner defender, while Cash Russell (Temple JC) is a senior leader in the middle-infield. Solomon Rotberg (Erskine College) is a crafty lefty and Michael DeBattista is an ace from the right side, so pitching will be a strength.
Junior Landon West (Rice) will call balls and strikes behind the plate and is strong with the lumber. Up the middle is first-team, all-state junior Drew Markle (Ole Miss), who could carry the team along with LaViolette.
Also, watch out for Trevor Esparza on the mound, who is signed to Tyler JC. The expectations will be high and coach Kyle Humphreys will need to manage all this talent, which can be harder than expected. They are no longer the hunters, but the hunted.
VYPE 2021 Baseball Preview: Public School #5 Katy Tompkins
Let's start in the infield where Graiden West (Rice) will flip to Will Stark (Wichita State) up the middle. They are smooth. Covering a ton of ground in centerfield is 6-foot-6, super freak Jace LaViolette (LSU), who can pound the ball at the plate. Jack Little (Wichita State) will anchor the hot corner and hit in the middle of the lineup.
So, what does that leave? Pitching. Michael DeBattista is going to lead an inexperienced staff and will need some help if Tompkins is looking to make some noise in the Regional Tournament.
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